Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) plans to raise KSh5.7 billion ($56 million) from its partners to build the very first solar plant in the country. The company said it was seeking the funds from the World Bank, French Development Agency (AFD) and KfW of Germany.

The 45 MW plant will be set in Embu region. Construction will last 14 months. “We finished feasibility studies for the project and we’re now seeking funding,” said KenGen business development director Moses Wekesa.

Currently, Strathmore University in Nairobi is the only institution with a solar plant. The facility has a 0.6 MW capacity, with a part connected to the national grid.

Gwladys Johnson Akinocho